Adopt an Artifact: Harlow (Assembly House 1750)

This view by local artist H.M.S. Harlow depicts the Portsmouth Assembly House of 1750 at night. Built by Michael Whidden in the North End at the corner of Vaughan St. and Raitt's Court, the elaborately decorated building was used as a function hall until around 1838 when it was divided to create two dwelling houses. Those structures were in turn torn down in the early 1970s. George Washington attended a ball there when he visited Portsmouth in 1789.